SimonG: Funny thing about those relief ships. In the last few days over 800 rockets have been fired into Israel, I wonder how they got into the Gaza strip ....
Via Egypt?
anjohl: Israel has taken land they have no legal claim to, in contradiction of the Geneva Conventions. Any territory occupied since 1967 is in direct contradiction of international law, and Israels operation of de facto open air prisons in the Palestinean Occupied Territory is the most appalling and embarrassing example of human rights violations in the modern world.
What is almost as bad is the western support for this travesty, likely out of some convoluted belief in some religious prophecy.
I agree that Israel should step down in some areas. Perhaps some concessions on all sides are needed in the long term. As I wrote before, I think the responsibility is shared.
I generally try to be a little careful with what I say as I never have the full picture. However, when radical elements within the Hamas and other groups launch unguided rockets against populated areas, I understand Israel's need to act. I also understand that operations in urban areas can be quite difficult.
I'm trying to discuss this as an isolated case. I'm tend to be less sympathetic to some Israeli policies in a general perspective. I think some politicians can be full of it, especially some of those on the far right, and sometimes IDF commanders and various operators seem to make bad decisions and mistakes. Sometimes crimes seem to have been committed.
I generally don't like religiously motivated people with power, either. I really don't think you'll find those types everywhere, though.